Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas: Govt changing ‘brain drain’ to ‘brain gain’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Indian diaspora across the world as he addressed people at the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2017 in Bengaluru.

“There was once a discussion about brain drain. And I told people at that time: Are only foolish people left here?” Modi said. “Today, I can say with a lot of confidence: The present government’s initiative changed brain drain to brain gain,” he added.

“In foreign lands and communities across the globe, the Indian diaspora represents the best of Indian culture, ethos and values,” said the prime minister, adding that the hard work, discipline and peace-loving nature of Indians abroad made them role models for other communities.

“You have various objectives and paths. But within all of us, there is only one dream: Bharatiyata,” he said. “Indians have brought about development wherever they have been. They have established a connection with whichever place they have gone to,” he added.

“For my government and for me personally, engagement with overseas Indians has been a key area of priority. I have met many Indians in US, UK, Australia, South Africa, UAE, Qatar, China, Japan, South Korea,” said Modi.